Sandra Janiak

Background/Objectives: Parents’ vaccine hesitancy constitutes a global challenge, strongly associated with trust in healthcare professionals. This study aimed to identify socio-demographic predictors of parental pro- and anti-vaccination behaviors and investigate the association between these factors and intentions regarding children’s future immunizations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) questionnaire. Participants were recruited purposively and via snowballing through parenting groups and educational institutions. Results: We surveyed 1.046 parents and provided attitudes for 1.701 children; 85.1% of child-specific responses reflected positive attitudes (PACV ≤ 50; median 16.7). In univariate regression, employment (OR = 2.172, 95% CI: 1.530–3.084; p < 0.001) and healthcare employment (OR = 2.907, 95% CI: 1.983–4.262; p < 0.001) increased the odds of positive attitudes, whereas each additional household member (OR = 0.693, 95% CI: 0.597–0.805; p < 0.001) and child (OR = 0.677, 95% CI: 0.579–0.792; p < 0.001) reduced them. Multivariable models confirmed higher odds for suburban/rural residence (OR = 1.614, 95% CI: 1.037–2.513; p = 0.034), employment (OR = 1.869, 95% CI: 1.284–2.721; p = 0.001), and healthcare employment (OR = 2.785, 95% CI: 1.872–4.144; p < 0.001). Among prior non-vaccinators (n = 114), 39.5% planned to vaccinate, 41.2% did not. Those who planned showed greater trust than non-planners in the child’s doctor (mean: 7.49 vs. 3.74) and schedule (mean: 7.89 vs. 1.40), p < 0.001, with lower trust correlating with greater hesitancy and safety concerns. Conclusions: Trust in physicians was strongly associated with both current attitudes and future intentions. Trust-focused, patient-centered communication may be related to more positive vaccination attitudes among parents. However, longitudinal research is needed to determine whether such trust could influence changes in vaccination behavior, especially since parents’ attitudes toward vaccinations can evolve with the arrival of subsequent children.

Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for 20–30% of pharyngitis in children and 5–15% in adults. The ineffective treatment of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections can result in postinfectious sequelae. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of GAS pharyngitis and assess the management of patients with pharyngitis and antibiotic use. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of medical records from nine primary care centers in Poland. The study enrolled 1949 medical records of patients (children 67.4%, adults 32.6%). An infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, based on a rapid strep test, was diagnosed in 830 patients (42.6%). In the comprehensive study group of 1949 patients, 1054 (54.1%) were given antibiotics. Notably, 224 patients had a negative rapid strep test result but still received antibiotic treatment, underscoring the complexity of treatment decisions. The most commonly used antibiotics were oral penicillin V in 431 cases (41%) and amoxicillin in 219 cases (20.8%). We observed no significant difference between positive rapid strep test results and patients’ sociodemographic data and comorbidities. The prevalence of GAS was 42.6% in the analyzed records of patients with pharyngitis, and 54.1% were prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics were overprescribed for sore throats. Strategies are needed to promote rational antibiotic use.

Obesity is a complex disease with numerous health complications, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, mental health, societal impact, economic status, comorbidities, and treatments. This multicenter study included adults aged ≥35 years referred to a CVD prevention program, where sociodemographic data, anthropometric examinations, laboratory tests, and HLPCQ responses were collected. The study analyzed 1044 patients with a mean age of 47.9 years. Among them, 22.2% (232 patients) were diagnosed with obesity. These patients exhibited higher blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels (all p < 0.001). A comparative analysis showed that obese patients had significantly lower scores in healthy dietary choices, dietary harm avoidance, daily routine, organized physical exercise, and overall HLPCQ scores. These results indicate that individuals considered healthy were actually living with obesity and its associated complications. Consequently, family physicians should proactively identify patients at risk of obesity using existing programs. The Polish healthcare system urgently needs systemic solutions, including effective health promotion and the creation of obesity prevention programs at an early stage of adult life. These measures are essential to address the growing obesity epidemic and improve public health outcomes.